Matthew J. Frock: Love Squared

Exhibit Dates: January 17 to February 16

Opening Reception: January 17, 7:00 p.m.

HANCOCK, MI - "Matthew J. Frock: Love Squared" is featured at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, from January 17 to February 16, 2013.

An opening reception for the artist will take place at the gallery on Thursday, January 17, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

In this exhibit of more than twenty original illustrations, artist and writer Matthew Frock invites the viewer to journey to the planet Earl where scientists Gary and Ronda are about to discover a new and mysterious energy and make "Love Squared."

In preparation for their space journey, Gary and Rhonda have converted Ronda's house into a spaceship. But before they lift off, they must face some obstacles, including "Earl bureaucracy, daytime-television, and mob mentality," according to a synopsis of the book on Frock's website.

Frock explains that Love Squared is intended to enlighten and instill a state of reflection in the reader. He describes it as "humorous confirmation for like-minded readers and a cuddly, warm arguing gun for those who would be at odds."

At least, in Frock's mind it is these things. He adds that the audience is always entitled to their own interpretation of his writing and his humorous, thought-provoking illustrations.

"As a painter, the documentation of vision is a given. It goes with the territory," Frock notes in his artist's statement. "As an artist, I insist the visions I pursue be meaningful and provide my audience with a beneficial experience. Love Squared falls within these parameters."

Love Squared is Frock's first illustrated book. He says the book "began as a single paragraph and in my mind it was an overly ambitious animated film that I'd never be able to afford to make."

However, his vision persisted and he recalls that once he began the writing process, his ideas flowed as if "the book needed to write itself and I was merely a conduit."

"I wrote the story in a week," Frock says. "It flowed like the stream of consciousness my ideas are written in, except in far greater detail."

Frock created more than 30 illustrations for Love Squared using acryla-guache on illustration board.

Frock received a bachelor of fine arts in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, and a master of fine arts in painting from The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, Pa. He currently teaches art at the Haverford School in Haverford, Pa. Visit his website at matthewjfrock.com.

"Love Squared" will be on display through February 16, 2013.

The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday 8:00 a.m.to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment.

For more information, contact gallery director Carrie Flaspohler at 906-487-7500 or carrie.flaspohler@finlandia.edu.

Photo Cutlines:

Photo 1:  Artist Matthew J. Frock

Photo 2: Love 27, 20" x 30", Acrylaguache on illustration board, 2011